Art and Design Foundation Diploma
This course is designed as preparation for further study in art at university or art school. Learners receive in-house guidance related to their choice of specialist area (fine art, fashion or design). It’s a brilliant art school, and you might even get the chance to go on an all-expenses-paid, three-week visit to an art school in Malta! The Art & Design Foundation Diploma leads naturally to degree-level study and prepares you for this. You can also opt to seek employment or apprenticeships within the industry if you so wish.
Study at Level:
Level 3
- Preparation for university or art school
- Design
- Fashion & textiles
- Fine art
- Research skills
- Experimental & traditional practices
- Art theory related to fine art, fashion and design
- How to read and analyse images
- Creativity
- Self-expression
Entry requirements for our courses depend on the specific requirements of each Programme of Study and an individual’s previous experience, which will all be discussed during the interview process. The following list offers a guide as to what you might be expected to achieve to gain entry on to a particular level of a course.
PLEASE NOTE IN SOME AREAS WHERE THERE IS A HIGHER MATHS, ENGLISH OR SCIENCE CONTENT, OR WHERE TECHNICAL SKILLS ARE REQUIRED, THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGHER THAN STATED BELOW. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COURSES AT THEIR INTERVIEW AND THIS IS CHECKED AT ENROLMENT. FOR CREATIVE COURSES A PORTFOLIO REVIEW OR AUDITION MAY BE REQUIRED AT INTERVIEW.
Entry Level 3 Programmes
No formal entry qualifications but subject to approval from the Foundation Learning Assessment Team.
Level 1 Programmes
GCSEs grades1-2 or E to G or equivalent, including Foundation Awards and Entry Level Certificates.
Level 2 Programmes
Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 (previously D) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 1 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at Level 1.
Level 3 Programmes
Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 (previously C) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 2 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at level 2.
Progressing to each level of study
Once you successfully completed your course you may be able to progress to the next level, following a satisfactory interview with a Tutor. If you’ve finished your Level 3 course you will be offered advice and guidance from our Career Advisers on how to apply for a place at University through UCAS, or how to apply for a job or an Apprenticeship.
Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 courses generally last one year; Level 3 courses will usually last for two years.
Personalised work experience opportunities are available in art galleries, community art groups, design companies and printers as well as in fashion and retail.
Students take part in regular trips to London including a visit to the Tate Modern. Guest speakers include professional designers and a tattoo artist. The regular Intercollege competition with another college provides a great opportunity for creativity and experiencing the work of others. Inspiring Creative Careers (ICC) Projects are also available.
- Career Opportunities:
- Artist
- Designer
- Fashion designer
- Illustrator
- Graphic artist
- University & Further Studies
- BA Design
- BA Illustration
- BA Graphic Design
- BA Fine Art
- Fashion
- Fashion Marketing
- Fashion Styling
- Graphics
- Photography
- Illustration
- Interior Design
